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Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has increased speculation he is set to launch a bid for Bastian Schweinsteiger by confirming he is in the market for a deep midfielder.
The Dutchman has been linked with a cut-price £10million move for Schweinsteiger and Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola has said the decision lies with the Germany international if he is the subject of an approach.
Van Gaal, frustrated with injury problems this term, said on Sunday he has had to play Ander Herrera slightly deeper than he would have liked in Michael Carrick's absence and wants to enter the market for a seasoned, right-footed deep midfielder during the summer.
"The No. 6 is one of the key roles," Van Gaal said. "We have seen this season, with Michael Carrick, that he has spent a lot of time injured.
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"I don't have another right-footed player who can play there so I have had to use Herrera there. He has done it very well, but it isn't his specialist position. I've also played Rooney there. It isn't his favourite position but I have had to use him in that role.
"So it is a key role but I can't discuss it further because then I show too much."
When Guardiola moved to the Allianz Arena, Schweisteiger was quoted as saying: "I am used to being rather flexible, but I feel that the position in front of the defence suits me best.
"Playing in the No.6 position would fit my abilities best in my opinion."
